3 Takeaways From Oilers’ 3-1 Win Over Sharks

The Edmonton Oilers (4-0-1) extended their winning streak to four games after defeating the San Jose Sharks (3-2-0) 3-1 in a Saturday matinee (Oct. 10). The first two periods were a snoozefest, but the game picked up in the final frame. Neither team could generate much offensive momentum. Ultimately, the veteran Oilers put the young Sharks away in the third period.

Mattias Ekholm, Alex Formenton, and Vasily Podkolzin scored for the Oilers, while Macklin Celebrini scored the Sharks’ only goal. Yaroslav Askarov stopped 17 of 20 shots for an .850 save percentage (SV%) in the loss, while Tristan Jarry stopped 19 of 20 shots for a .950 SV% in the win. Here are three takeaways from this solid road victory.

Oilers Were Defensively Sound

This was a very mature road game from this squad. They were patient at both ends of the ice and didn’t give the Sharks much. They managed the puck well in the offensive zone and rarely turned the puck over. The Oilers allowed fewer odd-man rushes. Despite what people think, the Oilers aren’t a run-and-gun team. They aren’t successful when they trade chances. They are more effective with their cycle game. That’s also the case defensively. They did a great job of containing San Jose to the perimeter and didn’t allow grade-A opportunities. They defended as a five-man unit, and head coach Mike Babcock has this team playing the right way.

Edmonton held San Jose to only 20 shots and just 0.98 expected goals. The Sharks had 11 scoring chances and just two high-danger scoring chances at 5-on-5. Both high-danger chances were in the middle frame. The Oilers were also disciplined, taking only one minor penalty after taking seven in their previous game. That lone penalty came in the final four minutes. The Oilers have allowed just four goals in their last three games, after allowing 13 goals in their first two.

The visitors were also exceptional in the faceoff circle. They won 58.5 percent of the draws, and Owen Michaels led the team with 10 faceoff wins. He was impeccable in the dot, winning 83.33 percent of his faceoffs. The 24-year-old rookie continues to impress as the third-line centre.

While the defensive structure was great, Jarry was also solid. He’s part of the defensive system because he made the saves he needed to. The team didn’t give up much in front of him, but he also didn’t allow a bad goal. He bounced back after his awful season-opening start.

Oilers’ Depth Stepped Up

The Oilers got contributions throughout their lineup. This was the fourth line’s best game all season. Trent Frederic, Isaac Howard, and Josh Samanski were solid in limited minutes. Howard made a great play on the opening goal, winning a board battle, before finding Ekholm, who ripped the shot past Askarov.